Thetford Toilet Question

[TCollins]

I was chasing down an odor problem from the black tank in my daughters travel trailer and decided to remove the toilet to change the flange seal and the blade seal. The toilet is a Thetford Aqua Magic V-High.

I also removed the vent cap and the vent pipe was almost plugged by paper wasp nests which thankfully were not active.

I was really surprised to find that there is an open free fall of 10-12" when the toilet is flushed.

I don't see how any odors can be eliminated when the cavity surrounding the bowl is open to the black tank.

Is this really the way these toilets are designed or is there a piece missing?

[O Lloyd]

My Thetford is set up similarly.
It relies on the rubber gasket on the gate valve in the bottom of the bowl for the seal, along with a small amount of water, left in the bowl.

After flushing, close the valve but leave some water in the bottom,
then check back in awhile and make sure the water is still there.
If not, then that rubber seal is likely in need of replacing.

O LLOYD

[TCollins]

O Lloyd, thanks for the reply. I replaced all the seals and I think the odor is taken care of. What doesn't make sense to me is the open space between the flush blade and the bottom of the toilet where the flange seal is

[Ldubs]

Yeah, first time I looked down through the thing I thought "where is the trap. it would be nice to have a trap. I suppose it is possible but kind of understand why it is a "direct deposit" so to speak.

[TexasTom]

I went through a lot of these steps as well, but still had a bit of an odor problem. Got one of the Camco vents with the wind vane on it, and not one bit of odor anymore.